Mets stick to anti-risk strategy by passing on Carlos Correa

The widespread expectation since Steve Cohen became New York Mets owner in 2020 was that he would spend recklessly to sign every major free agent. The financial mogul is worth $17.5 billion, per Forbes, so why not?

As the latest chapter in the Carlos Correa saga plays out, it's apparent Cohen may not be the spendthrift most think.

A tumultuous offseason in Major League Baseball added another weird chapter Tuesday as Correa agreed to his third contract of the offseason, this time spurning the Mets to sign with the Minnesota Twins. The deal is reportedly worth $200 million over six years.

In mid-December, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that Correa agreed to a 13-year, $350 million contract with San Francisco. The Giants, however, abruptly canceled his introductory news conference due to concerns about the status of his injured right ankle. Then the talks between the parties ended.

Less than 24 hours later, the Mets swooped in, agreeing with Correa on a 12-year, $315 million deal, per Passan.

On Christmas Eve, the day after Correa flew to New York to take his physical, The Athletic reported that the Mets, like the Giants, were concerned about the long-term durability of Correa’s ankle.

The Mets tried to renegotiate a shorter-term contract with Correa but failed.